Greeley Sen. Renfroe questions radar effectiveness

By Lynn Bartels The Denver Post

Posted:
12/15/2012 11:24:32 PM MST

Updated:
12/15/2012 11:26:09 PM MST

A Greeley lawmaker wants the legislature next year to outlaw photo radar and red-light cameras, saying the devices have more to do with bringing in money for local communities than improving public safety.

State Sen. Scott Renfroe said he is bringing back his bill after the session opens Jan. 13 because of public support and a report that questions the effectiveness of red-light cameras.

A Democratic-controlled Senate committee killed a similar measure by Renfroe in the 2012 session. Democrats maintained control after the November election, but that hasn't deterred Renfroe.

"This is an issue we need to bring up and talk about," the Republican lawmaker said. "Hopefully, lawmakers will listen to the citizens and not just the cities that like the revenues."

Under state law, drivers caught on camera running red lights pay a maximum fine of $75, while drivers caught speeding on photo radar usually are fined $40. Offenders are not assessed any penalty points on their licenses.

If cities were merely trying to make money off the devices, "You would see these cameras everywhere," lobbyist Mark Radtke of the Colorado Municipal League testified in February.

The group opposes the bill, saying it's up to cities and their police departments to decide how to enforce traffic laws.

Nine Colorado cities currently use red-light cameras or photo radar to catch speeders or drivers who run red lights, the Municipal League said.

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For the first eight months of this year, Denver collected $4 million from photo-radar enforcement and $1 million from red-light enforcement, according to the Office of the Manager of Public Safety.

The city of Littleton does not employ photo radar but uses red-light cameras at four intersections, said police Cmdr. Trent Cooper.

"We've seen a decrease in accidents where we've had them installed," Cooper said.

But Renfroe disagrees that the cameras reduce accidents, based on a study released this year. Researchers disputed a widely cited report that concluded red-light cameras save lives, saying the data-gathering methods were flawed.

The researchers told The Tampa Tribune that cities should try extending the time for yellow lights before turning to cameras.

That's what Renfroe said police departments in Colorado should do.

A legislator's disdain for photo radar and "red radar" is nothing new.

The Colorado legislature in 1999 -- the same year Denver started its photo-radar program -- tackled a measure by then-House Majority Leader Doug Dean, R-Colorado Springs, who wanted to severely limit their use. He made many of the same arguments Renfroe is making now.

The Republican-controlled legislature that year agreed to add restrictions, including a provision that cities had to post warning signs when photo radar was in use.

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